March 16, 2010
By Doug Richards
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Thanks to a total team effort, the UCF men's golf team claimed its third-consecutive title at the Rio Pinar Invitational Tuesday. UCF concluded the three-round, 18-team event at the Rio Pinar Country Club at 850 (-14), 19 strokes ahead of second-place Charlotte.
Four Knights finished the tournament in the top-10 individually, led by sophomore Brad Schneider (Valrico, Fla.), who tied for second at 5-under 211. He carded a 2-under 70 during Tuesday's final round.
The field included seven of the top-75 squads in the country, including No. 21 North Florida and No. 51 Charlotte. Charlotte concluded the event at 869 (+15), followed by the Ospreys at 14-over 878.
UCF posted a 7-under 281 on the final 18 holes.
The tournament title was the seventh in the last three years for the Knights. The victory was also the first for UCF under first-year head coach Bryce Wallor.
"I am really happy for them," Wallor said about the Knights. "Guys have been working really hard. I am excited for our team. You look at that scoreboard and there is red all over it. Everyone put [great] scores in. Our guys really stepped up big this week."
Following Schneider in third was junior Nuno Henriques (Funchal, Portugal) at 4-under 212. He also posted a 70 Tuesday. Senior Simon Ward (County Monaghan, Ireland) tied for fifth at 2-under 214. Freshman Reid Martin (Mukilteo, Wash.) carded a 2-under 69 in the final round to tie for sixth (215, -1).
Sophomore Connor Arendell (Cape Coral, Fla.) tied for 21st at 222 (+6). Playing as an individual, senior Devin Spies (Sarasota, Fla.) tied for 50th.
Charlotte's Olafur Loftsson took medalist honors at 7-under 209. He fired a 3-under 68 Tuesday.
North Texas finished fourth at 15-over 879, followed by Middle Tennessee (883, +19).
UCF will return to action on March 28 when play begins at the Hootie at Bulls Bay in South Carolina.
For the latest news on the Knights, log on to UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.
Team Leaders
1. UCF 279-290-281=850 (-14)
2. Charlotte 291-293-285=869 (+5)
3. North Florida 293-297-288=878 (+14)
4. North Texas 291-293-295=879 (+15)
5. Middle Tennessee 289-307-287=883 (+19)
UCF Individuals
2. Brad Schneider 70-71-70=211 (-5)
3. Nuno Henriques 68-74-70=212 (-4)
5. Simon Ward 71-71-72=214 (-2)
T6. Reid Martin 70-76-69=215 (-1)
T21. Connor Arendell 74-74-74=222 (+6)
T50. Devin Spies 75-76-76=227 (+11)*